Final considerations before making a purchase

[jkheat]

Hi all,

I have been reading these forums for a while and whilst alot of information goes right over my head, there have been some really great articles to read. Having done my research, I was hoping to have some input from everyone.

Basically as I am looking for an engagement ring with a said budget, I have had to throw around a few things to get what I think would be the best bang for my buck. My consideration is that I just want something eye clean, as white as possible and has to be the best cut. With a budget of 8-10K (hoping to be at the lower end, I have decided on something similar to this http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1395534.asp.

Now I have asked for JA for further information and they have stated that the diamond should be eyeclean, return bright white light which checks my boxes. Now I would welcome people's opinion in general with regard to the following, and would appreciate any direct opinions of the linked diamond.
-given that myself and my partner arent really knowledgeable about diamonds in general, is going for a hearts and diamonds value that cannot be appreciated? Some of the readings I have gone through give me the impression that a really well cut diamond is a really well cut diamond and that H & A do generally fall in that category but not always. If I dont get an H & A, this will be savings that can go into a larger diamond. But if the brilliance and sparkle are worth the extra, I am more than happy to go for it.
-Given that I am wanting to have this mounted on a platinum band, can any differentiation be made between a D to an F face up? Given that her family/cultural background generally prefers D color (being Chinese), can I get away with an F? I personally cant tell but if others can, this might be an issue.

Specifically with the diamond linked, I did notice the idealscope photo had some white near the 6 o'clock, this I take it is light leakage? Would any one be able to advise me if they think this diamond is worth its value or if there is something else similar that they feel is better value?

Thank you in advance.
John

 

[tyty333]

Hi all,

I have been reading these forums for a while and whilst alot of information goes right over my head, there have been some really great articles to read. Having done my research, I was hoping to have some input from everyone.

Basically as I am looking for an engagement ring with a said budget, I have had to throw around a few things to get what I think would be the best bang for my buck. My consideration is that I just want something eye clean, as white as possible and has to be the best cut. With a budget of 8-10K (hoping to be at the lower end, I have decided on something similar to this http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1395534.asp.

Now I have asked for JA for further information and they have stated that the diamond should be eyeclean, return bright white light which checks my boxes. Now I would welcome people's opinion in general with regard to the following, and would appreciate any direct opinions of the linked diamond.
-given that myself and my partner arent really knowledgeable about diamonds in general, is going for a hearts and diamonds value that cannot be appreciated? Some of the readings I have gone through give me the impression that a really well cut diamond is a really well cut diamond and that H & A do generally fall in that category but not always. If I dont get an H & A, this will be savings that can go into a larger diamond. But if the brilliance and sparkle are worth the extra, I am more than happy to go for it.You can definitly find
a well cut stone that is not H&A but look very close to H&A. You can look look at it two ways. That it is a bonus that this stone
is an H&A (be sure to tell your GF) or if its a budget thing you can look for well cut non-h&A stones. I dont think you will be able
to tell the difference.
-Given that I am wanting to have this mounted on a platinum band, can any differentiation be made between a D to an F face up? Given that her family/cultural background generally prefers D color (being Chinese), can I get away with an F? I personally cant tell but if others can, this might be an issue.*Most* people wouldnt be able to tell unless it was side-by-side with a D and then some
wouldnt even be able to tell. I think you can get away with an F.

Specifically with the diamond linked, I did notice the idealscope photo had some white near the 6 o'clock, this I take it is light leakage? Would any one be able to advise me if they think this diamond is worth its value or if there is something else similar that they feel is better value?
Are you talking about the line at 5:30? Thats an inclusion. I am a little worried whether this stone is going to be eye-clean
enough for you. If you have time you can have it shipped out and take a look at it before its mounted.

Thank you in advance.
John

Here are some more stones you might consider...ask about eye-clean and request ideal scope image
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-78274.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1429974.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1436353.asp

 

[LittleRiver]

If her family is Chinese and prizes D color, they may also value high clarity. I am concerned that an SI2 is unlikely to be eye-clean from *all* angles, especially from the side. Most vendor definitions of eye-clean (including JA's) specify the top view, so you want to be sure there are no inclusions visible from any angle.

FWIW, my FI's family is Chinese and FI's grandfather inspected my ring at 6-12 inches from the top *and the side* before pronouncing it "so clear". I have a 1.06 F SI1, so very similar to what you are considering, but you do need to inquire further about the clarity.